Level 1: BeginnersThis subforum can be found here.Please check the Level 1: Beginners sticky for more information.
A Role Play's level is determined by several categories that each moderator will check before moving your RP. We judge the level of RP by the setup of the RP. The level of the setup will tend to attract players at the same level. However, the players in an RP can raise or lower the level. Please contact us if you believe this has happened in an RP, or if you disagree with where an RP has been placed. Please keep in mind the following guidelines. Just because an RP is "literate" does not mean that it belongs at a higher level.
Technical Writing CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often have many technical errors. Technical errors can include mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation that sometimes make the RP hard to understand. Technical errors also include using :: or ~ in place of quotation marks or to show action. Some Beginner RPs do not capitalize at the beginnings of sentences. Other common errors include using elipsis ( ... ), dashes, and other punctuation to construct multiple run-on sentences.
Preparation CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often have very little preparation. Preparation helps players join the RP. Preparation includes the length and detail of the setup and any explanation of rules. Beginner's RPs sometimes have only a sentence or two to explain the RP to the players, often with no rules or explanation of how to join. Any RP that looks like it took 5 minutes to think up and write up is probably a Beginner's Level RP.
Style CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often lack a certain style. A good style can involve funny, colorful language that engages the reader. Often Beginner's Level RPs do not have the interesting vocabulary to pull this off as well as they otherwise could. Keep in mind that it's hard to fit style into a two sentence introduction!
GM Character(s) CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often do not even have a character profile for the GameMaster (the person who started the RP), or the profile shows a lack of realism. In some Beginner Level RPs, the RP is clearly centered around the GM's character as the "main" or most important character with little room for any other characters to make a splash. A GM's character should reflect the level of effort that the GM expects from the other players.
Screening CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often do not screen new players at all, or accept lower level characters without criticism or suggestion. The screening process for an RP should be stated clearly but often is not at this level. At this level, GMs may let in characters who obviously do not fit into the RP, such as characters who are made for a different genre.
Aesthetics CategoryBeginners' Level RPs often have the entire set up in the first post with little or no organization. Sometimes RPs at this level are hard to read and look unprofessional. GMs should put effort into their RP to make it readable and to attract attention, but at this level they often do not.